"It is Fontana's turn to bask in the glory of its planning and hard work. It's Fontana's turn to capture the sale tax dollars that have been going to other communities," said Randall Lewis the Executive Vice President of the Lewis Operating Company in 2005, with the launch of the Miracle Mile.

Now, almost three years later, the developments that lie just north of the Miracle Mile across the 210 Freeway and commonly referred to as Sierra Lakes continue to add to the Fontana economy.

Much like the Empire Center in South Fontana, Sierra Lakes has been designed to be attractive to businesses and residents. As South Fontana has seen exceptional growth in commerce and homebuyers, so too has the north.

Four related market areas, the Sierra Lakes Marketplace, Sierra Lakes Professional Park, Sierra Lakes Village, and Sierra Lakes West, all run together to create one of the more upscale and talked about communities in the county. With the Sierra Lakes neighborhood, San Antonio Medical Plaza, and the Ralph M. Lewis Sports Complex all nestled closely within the area, many are drawn to the north to dine, shop, and live.

Since 2005, retailers have been moving to the area anchored by Lowe's on the East and Home Depot on the West. Some of these new retail outlets and restaurants include Costco, Ralph's, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Quiznos, Wells Fargo, Washington Mutual Bank, and Walgreens to name a few.

Thanks to the careful planning of the Lewis Group, spaces have been consistently filling. The more recent additions, to include a few that are still being constructed, include: Circuit City, Office Max, LA Fitness, Jamba Juice, Play and Trade, NYPD Pizza, Philly's Best, Massage Envy, Allstate Insurance, Nail Studio, Starbucks, and Subway .

"The new retailers slated to come into the Sierra Lakes Marketplace development will be a tremendous boost to Fontana and assist in our ability to attract more quality retailers throughout the City. From what we've witnessed so far, with the addition of Costco, Lowe's and Home Depot , there is an eagerness for retailers to call Fontana home and the increase in sales tax dollars will help benefit all of the residents of Fontana through City public investments projects," says Elisa Grey, City of Fontana economic development manager.

As sale tax dollars continue to come to Fontana, residents will reap the rewards. In November, a new park and fire station were opened in Coyote Canyon. On Sierra Avenue, not far from the Sierra Lakes shopping area, enhancements to the city's major thoroughfare and aesthetic appearance are being completed by the street division. The Sierra Avenue/Baseline Street Improvement Program will widen the lanes along the heavily trafficked corridor, improve the street lighting, and compliment median improvements in other areas with the inclusion of landscape and hardscape. The Auto Center, part of the Miracle Mile, will also welcome new dealerships soon.

For further information about commercial offices within the Sierra Lakes Marketplace, Sierra Lakes Professional Park, Sierra Lakes Village, or Sierra Lakes West please visit the Lewis Group online at www.lewisop.com or contact the Fontana Economic Development Center at www.fontanabusiness.org or call (909) 350-6653.